Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority

JAFZA commenced operations in 1985 and today stands out as a leading business hub of the Middle East. JAFZA’s focus is on long term customer relationships, fostering alliances with global investors by providing them world class infrastructure supported with quality driven value-added services and incentives, enabling them to capitalize on huge business opportunities in the region. JAFZA boasts of being the first free zone in the world to win ISO certification in 1996. JAFZA is one of the fastest growing Free Zones in the MEASA region, which gives direct access to a market of over 2 billion people.

JAFZA’s vision:

JAFZA is determined to remain a powerful symbol that helps drive the development of Dubai, providing exciting and unlimited possibilities for industrial development, being the largest free zone in the MENA region.

The new developments at the Jebel Ali Free Zone and the surrounding region are designed to make JAFZA one of the most efficient sea-air hubs, completed with a 6-lane highway that will help keep goods custom-bound (helping to minimize processing time) as they are transported from port to cargo aircraft in just 20 minutes. Jebel Ali Free Zone is the world’s only free zone located between one of the world’s largest airports and a sea port. The Jebel Ali Free Zone has Jebel Ali Port, world’s 7th largest container port on one side and the Al Maktoum International Airport, one of the world’s largest cargo airports on the other side.

JAFZA has been one of the main drivers of Dubai and the UAE’s phenomenal economic growth over the years. JAFZA has successfully been attracting “crème de la crème” in all business sectors from all over the world by sheer force of its unique value-added offerings and propositions.

New modern environment perfect for the safe storage of goods within close proximity to your retail outlet.

3.A place to sell:

Conveniently located adjacent to the Jebel Ali Free Zone, with no need for gate entry.

All the advantages of a free zone license with the added benefit of selling to the UAE public.

Formation types:

The number of shareholders determine the formation type for the companies being established in Jebel Ali Free Zone.

1. Multiple shareholders

Two to 50 shareholders can set up a Free Zone Company (FZCo) in Jebel Ali Free Zone. These shareholders can be individuals (two to 50 people), non-individuals (two to 50 companies) or a combination of both. An FZCo is essentially a Limited Liability Partnership within the Free Zone, with the liabilities of the company limited to the paid-up capital.

Two to 50 shareholders can also set up a Public Listed Company (PLC) within the Free Zone. These shareholders can be individuals (two to 50 people), non-individuals (2 to 50 companies) or a combination of both. A PLC is essentially a Limited Liability Partnership within the Free Zone, with the liabilities of the company limited to the paid-up capital.

Whether an individual or a company, a single shareholder can register a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) in JAFZA. An FZE is essentially a Limited Liability Company within the Free Zone. An FZCo is essentially a Limited Liability Partnership within the Free Zone, with the liabilities of the company limited to the paid-up capital. A FZCo has a legal personality distinct from that of its shareholder and it has the capacity, rights and privileges of a natural person.

3. Any existing established entity

Branch within the Free Zone can be registered by any entity already established outside Jebel Ali Free Zone. A branch is considered a legal entity of its parent company; is 100% owned by the parent company, operates under the same name and conducts the same business.

License Types:

Trading License: to carry out trading activities.

Industrial License: to carry out manufacturing activities.

Service License: to carry out services activities.

E-Commerce License: to carry out buying and selling of goods and services over electronic networks via any electronic means.

National Industrial License: to carry out manufacturing activities where at least 51% of the ownership is of national(s) of a AGCC country.

Innovation License: to carry out development of new products and services.

Offshore Registration: to establish an offshore company with limited liability.